SOULMERGE: Introducing Yoga to Youthwork

Youth belonging to marginalized groups are much less likely to experience a successful transition to adulthood, disabling them from participation, independence and self-sufficiency.

We realise how much we as youth workers ourselves are affected by our own biases, stereotypes, and prejudices towards disadvantaged groups, and how it hinders our capacity to support them.

It is important to focus on this issue and get tools that will help us to advocate for all young people, regardless of their background or identity.

Research suggests that yoga can help us to be fully present with the human being in front of us, as well as regulate our emotions and deal with stressors.Aims of the project

• To introduce yoga philosophy and methodology into European youth work,
• To deconstruct the out-dated limiting attitudes towards yoga and mainstream it in European youth work,
• To explore, provide, exchange, and develop innovative educational approaches that we can use in order to improve our work with youth that is subject to prejudices and discrimination,
• To increase our capacities, motivation, and wellbeing.

Learning questions

• how to use yoga, breathing techniques, and other related practices in youth work,
• how to address biases and stereotypes in youth work,
• developing innovative approaches to support marginalized youth,
• how to promote inclusive practices,
• how to integrate yoga to enhance wellbeing.

The training course will take place in the Czech Republic, Buchov, 26 August - 1 September 2024, and it will involve 7 full program days and 2 traveling days (4 days if green travel). Full presence at the course, physical and mental, is required.